Page 15 of My Monster, My Choice

“So, what did he say?”

“He said whatever. He didn’t care. Then he turned to me and said, ‘Handle it, Christina.’ Handle it. Like Kenny was a problem. That set the tone.”

“And you made it better.”

She blinks. “What makes you think that?”

“Because I can see the three of you huddled together. You, with Tera on your lap, and Kenny in hers, your arms holding them both safe and close, discussing what to call him.”

She huffs a soft breath of laughter. “That’s exactly what happened. I asked Tera what he looked like and she said a Kenny. And maybe if he was feeling fancy, he could up it to Kenneth. Which is about the only word she could pronounce correctly since she was missing hertwoo fwont teeth. So Kenneth Michael Garrett he became.”

I snicker softly, and we both freeze when Kenny calls out, “Nuh, uh, Terr! You owe me two grapes and I givva you the blueberry.” Then the little male farts, turns over, and snores.

“It seems talking in one’s sleep runs in the family,” I drawl, and Christina buries her face in my chest, her shoulders shaking in silent laughter.

She laughs harder when I say, “And I hope the gas does not.”

Morning brings about a leisurely breakfast before we usher Kenny off for his shower. The entire time we escort him up his stairs, he tells us about his friend who refuses to use soap when they bathe. I fight back my laughter as he describes the stink from the child who plays in dirt and collects worms, describing the dirt under his nails in such detail I have to wonder if the friend is him.

While Christina showers, I help him pick out his clothing, and while he gets dressed, I head off to use the shower.

This time when we walk to the main building for the teleconference with Tera and Relion, we look like a family. Like a year has passed overnight. I hold Christina’s hand, no need to fear that I’ll scare her away with my intensity. Not anymore, it’s obvious she feels the same. Kenny skips ahead, leaving me with his beautifulmaman. When we reach the main building, we enter through the side doors that used to lead to the dancers’ stage. Now the room has been repurposed to house large meetings.

The Britonians have already set up and one comes to take Kenny in hand, sharing with him how to enter the center circle to show up in the hologram between Earth and Pimeon.

I sit back with Christina, studying her as she takes everything in. I’m aware the technology is off the charts for Earthlings, but Christina’s intelligent enough to take everything in stride.

“Have you mated since the loss of Tera’s father?” I ask suddenly. How has it never occurred to me that this amazing female might have someone waiting in the wings?

“No.” Her smile is bright. “I’m totally, completely free. How about you? Any mates back on your own planet?”

“No. There is no one that waits for me. No one that holds my interest except for a beautiful, albeit strange-looking, Earthling.”

It brings a burst of laughter from her—the sound rich and fulfilling and curling my own lips.

“I’m sure it must be odd to watch us walk on two legs.”

I nod, even though it’s teasing. “I wonder how you remain balanced enough to remain upright.”

“Is that why you hold my hand?” she teases, then pouts and the sight of that full upper lip makes me want to suck it between my teeth. “I thought it was because you liked me.”

“I might,” I drawl. “I need more kisses to make sure.”

“You kissed me yesterday,” she reminds.

“Ahh, precious. It was but once.”

“What’s holding you back?”

“I didn’t want to shock your youngling,” I admit.

“What do you think he’ll do if he sees you kiss me?”

I cock my head to the side. “Giggle?”

It brings a smile to her lips. “Cheer,” she counters.

I huff a bark of laughter. “Shall we wager?” Either way, I figure I win. I still get the sweet kiss from Christina.

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